Ceiling Carrier Rotation Mechanism for Multi-Turn Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The issue of rotational accuracy is compromised in existing overhead transport vehicles due to the overriding of transmission members when wound around a cylindrical surface for multiple revolutions, leading to reduced precision in article placement.

Innovation Solution

A rotation mechanism with guide members on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical member guides the transmission member to prevent overriding, allowing for smooth rotation of more than one revolution without overlap, enhancing maintainability and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the transmission member is wound around the cylindrical member for more than one revolution to achieve rotation of 360 degrees or more, then the rotational range is improved, but one portion of the transmission member may override another portion, reducing rotational accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational rangeVSAvoidrotational accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A guide member is introduced as an intermediary element between the transmission member and the cylindrical member. The guide member includes a guide surface that contacts the transmission member and guides it along the circumferential direction, preventing one portion from overriding another portion while allowing the transmission member to be wound for more than one revolution, thus maintaining both extended rotational range and rotational accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the transmission member is made open-ended for easy removal and maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability of preventing overriding may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemaintainabilityVSAvoidprevention of overriding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures the open-ended transmission member does not override itself during operation. The guide surface of the guide member provides continuous guidance along the circumferential direction, maintaining reliability even with an open-ended transmission member that can be easily removed and replaced for maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4576181A1Rotation mechanism and ceiling carrier
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP4576181A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4576181A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4576181A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rotation mechanism includes: a first portion; and a second portion configured to rotate relatively to the first portion around a rotation axis. Either the first portion or the second portion includes a cylindrical member and a transmission member spirally wound around an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member in a winding area exceeding one revolution of the outer circumferential surface. The other of the first portion and the second portion includes a drive unit configured to feed the transmission member. At least one guide member provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member, at a position outside the winding area on an extension of at least one of an upper-end portion and a lower-end portion in a circumferential direction, and adjacent to the winding area in a direction of the rotation axis.